Active and passive voice in German
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
If a subject of a sentence acts upon an object, the sentence is written in the "normal" active form. The activity of the subject is expressed by the active form. Example: Sie kauft das Buch. - She buys the book.
An alternative to this sentence structure is the passive voice. The subject (in this case "das Buch") of the sentence receives an action. Example: Das Buch wird von ihr gekauft. - The book is bought by her.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
There are two different passive voices in the German language. The first one is built of werden + past participle. The second one is built of sein + past participle.
The processual passive is used to set the action itself priority. By whom the action was caused is unknown and not important. The passive voice can be formed for all tenses in the German language. But only werden changes according to the personal pronouns to form the tenses. The past participle remains the same.
tense | example |
---|---|
present | Das Buch wird gekauft. |
present perfect | Das Buch ist gekauft worden. |
simple past | Das Buch wurde gekauft. |
past perfect | Das Buch war gekauft worden. |
future | Das Buch wird gekauft werden. |
future perfect | Das Buch wird gekauft worden sein. |
The stative passive describes the condition after an action.
tense | example |
---|---|
present | Das Buch ist gekauft. |
present perfect | Das Buch ist gekauft gewesen. |
simple past | Das Buch war gekauft. |
past perfect | Das Buch war gekauft gewesen. |
future | Das Buch wird gekauft sein. |
future perfect | Das Buch wird gekauft gewesen sein. |
active | translation | passive | translation |
---|---|---|---|
Ich trinke Wasser. | I'm drinking water | Das Wasser wird von mir getrunken. | The water is being drunk by me |
Ich hob den Stuhl. | I picked up the chair | Der Stuhl wurde von mir gehoben. | The chair was picked up by me |
Er hat das Essen gekocht. | He cooked the food | Das Essen ist von ihm gekocht gewesen. | The food was cooked by him |
Er hatte das Essen gekocht. | He has cooked the food | Das Essen war von ihm gekocht worden. | The food has been cooked by him |
Ich werde den Stuhl heben. | I will pick up the chair | Der Stuhl wird von mir gehoben werden. | The chair will be picked up by me |
Ich werde den Stuhl gehoben haben. | I will have picked up the chair | Der Stuhl wird von mir gehoben worden sein. | The will have been picked up by me |
You have learned about the two different passive forms and when to use them. Apply your theoretical knowledge in our exercises of the passive voice.
The first sentence is an example.
simple past:
Der Saft wurde ausgetrunken. (werden, austrinken)
Die Zelte . (werden, aufbauen)
Ich , ob ich einen Bruder habe. (werden, fragen)
Der Fernseher schon lange nicht mehr . (werden, benutzen)
Das Auto von mir . (werden, einparken)
Die Zeitung heute noch nicht . (werden, bringen)
simple present tense:
Ich im Büro . (werden, brauchen)
Mir meine Spitzen . (werden, färben)
Er , ob er eine Schwester hat. (werden, fragen)
Die Straße wenig . (werden, befahren)
Das Kleid noch . (werden, nähen)
Ich laufe heute Abend in die Stadt.
active
processual passive
stative passive
Er wurde von einer Biene gestochen.
active
stative passive
processual passvie
Der Tisch ist gesäubert.
stative passive
active
processual passive
Er wurden gefragt.
processual passive
stative passive
active
Laura und Martin unterhalten sich über die Schule.
processual passive
active
stative passive
Sie lächeln den ganzen Tag.
processual passive
stative passive
active
Die Milch wurde getrunken.
stative passive
processual passive
active
Er hat das Armband hergestellt.
active
processual passive
stative passive
Sie ist verletzt.
active
processual passive
stative passive
Die Tür ist geschlossen.
processual passive
stative passive
active
Ich laufe heute Abend in die Stadt.
active
Er wurde von einer Biene gestochen.
processual passvie
Der Tisch ist gesäubert.
stative passive
Er wurden gefragt.
processual passive
Laura und Martin unterhalten sich über die Schule.
active
Sie lächeln den ganzen Tag.
active
Die Milch wurde getrunken.
processual passive
Er hat das Armband hergestellt.
active
Sie ist verletzt.
stative passive
Die Tür ist geschlossen.
stative passive
The first sentence is an example.
simple past:
Der Saft wurde ausgetrunken. (werden, austrinken)
Die Zelte . (werden, aufbauen)
Ich , ob ich einen Bruder habe. (werden, fragen)
Der Fernseher schon lange nicht mehr . (werden, benutzen)
Das Auto von mir . (werden, einparken)
Die Zeitung heute noch nicht . (werden, bringen)
simple present tense:
Ich im Büro . (werden, brauchen)
Mir meine Spitzen . (werden, färben)
Er , ob er eine Schwester hat. (werden, fragen)
Die Straße wenig . (werden, befahren)
Das Kleid noch . (werden, nähen)
Ich laufe heute Abend in die Stadt.
stative passive
active
processual passive
Er wurde von einer Biene gestochen.
active
processual passvie
stative passive
Der Tisch ist gesäubert.
stative passive
processual passive
active
Er wurden gefragt.
active
stative passive
processual passive
Laura und Martin unterhalten sich über die Schule.
stative passive
processual passive
active
Sie lächeln den ganzen Tag.
active
processual passive
stative passive
Die Milch wurde getrunken.
processual passive
active
stative passive
Er hat das Armband hergestellt.
active
stative passive
processual passive
Sie ist verletzt.
stative passive
active
processual passive
Die Tür ist geschlossen.
processual passive
active
stative passive
Ich laufe heute Abend in die Stadt.
active
Er wurde von einer Biene gestochen.
processual passvie
Der Tisch ist gesäubert.
stative passive
Er wurden gefragt.
processual passive
Laura und Martin unterhalten sich über die Schule.
active
Sie lächeln den ganzen Tag.
active
Die Milch wurde getrunken.
processual passive
Er hat das Armband hergestellt.
active
Sie ist verletzt.
stative passive
Die Tür ist geschlossen.
stative passive
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hello German learner! I am a dedicated teacher for DaF (German as a foreign language) studying and working in Germany. I have already gained teaching experience with different age groups and nationalities while teaching German in various language schools.
Currently, I'm doing my second studies in German, English, and Teaching at the University of Bonn. (I already got my Master's Degree in German and Literature). Besides, I teach in a local language school as well as tutor students online on Colanguage.
In my free time, I learn French and Dutch and hope to become a true polyglot one day :)
So as you can see, I'm all into languages and love my profession as a teacher!
I can help you learn general German, develop your communicational skills as well as prepare you for language tests (Goethe Zertifikat, Telc, etc).
Just book a trial lesson with me and we'll find out which course is right for you.
See you soon
Anush
PS. IMPORTANT! Currently, I only work with adults aged 18 and over - so NO courses for children, sorry.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Anush is a great teacher! Her advices and corrections are to the point and very helpful. My demands were high enough and sie could provide the necessary solutions and the necessary help , that I needed.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, I am Ana! I am a professional language teacher! If you want to learn Romanian, English or German in an easy, fun and efficient way, you’ve done the first step. I simply love teaching and I’m looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm for languages with you. I have experience in learning foreign languages, so I understand the challenge.
I’ve started teaching Romanian as a foreign language in 2010 at the Faculty of Letters in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, and my teaching approach is really friendly and focused on all your needs. I have worked with people from all over the world and I know very well how to make the process of learning a language a very pleasant experience.
I speak several languages (English, German, French, Spanish) and I keep learning some (Polish and Portuguese) so I am aware of how fun and also frustrating (at times) the process can be.
For me, learning a language is like falling in love, you get to discover details and awesome facts about one culture and mentality.
If you want to learn Romanian, English or German, I will make sure you will enjoy it!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Everything about Anamaria is at 99.9%, from timeliness, punctuality, very concise and relevant study material and she has an excellent teaching methodology.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hallo :) My name is Mihaela and I was born in Switzerland. I have a Bachleor and Master degree as German teacher and more then 5 years experience.
I love languages, because of that I speak also Croatian and English. :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, writing, pronunciation and vocabulary.
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar. Or we can learn whatever you need, because I will always adapt to your needs. :)
I will support you during your learning experience and adapt to your learning tempo.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books (Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen,...).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mihaela is very professional, punctual and well organised. She plans the lessons well with relevant materials based on the student interests and level. She is very flexible about rescheduling classes and always available for any doubts or requests.
Mihaela S.
Thank you very much Marilena :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria is a very experienced teacher. She really loves teaching and transmit this passion to her students. Excellent teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have 3 years of teaching experience and a 120 hours of advanced practical TEFL and TESOL. I am a dedicated teacher who cares about her students. I am an amazing listener, attentive, and very passionate. I enjoy traveling, for it allows me to meet new people of different cultures and backgrounds. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, for I get to make an impact in people's lives as much as they make an impact in mine. I cannot wait to make your English learning journey enjoyable and impactful.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Paradise is a southafrican teacher with particular experience with younger students. She has a lot of fun learning materials that ensure an interactive lesson and seems to have great confidence in front of the camera.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
My name's Eleonora. I am from Ukraine. I am a qualified teacher and a Russian native speaker.
In 2007 I graduated from pedagogical university and since that time I work as a teacher. I love my job and always ready to share my knowledge with everyone.
If you want to improve your Russian, English or Swedish or start learning them you will definitely like my lessons. My classes are developed for each student according to their level, interests and needs.
I try to make lessons various and use different kinds of teaching methods, exercises and technologies. My lessons include:
vocabulary enlargement and usage;wide grammar practicereading activities (from texbooks, at higher levels original texts);practicing oral speech.My schedule is quite flexible so contact me and we'll arrange the time for lessons.
See you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Eleonora is very friendly and methodological teacher, perfectly adapting to students needs. I have enjoyed my every class learning.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I'm a Italian/German bilingual teacher form Florence!
I offer lessons for beginners as well as for advanced speakers. I carry out different kinds of lessons: I could help you for example to prepare for a test, for your trip to Italy or for more advanced needs.
The lessons are focused on improving listening/comprehension skills as well as reading, writing, speaking and grammar.
If you want to know more about my methods, just book a trial lesson! It's free! I hope to see you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
The lesson was perfectly geared to my needs. As my requirement for learning does not fit easily in any 'set course' or classroom situation, this individual approach, looking at what I need and then providing it, suits me very well indeed. I am very happy with the way in which the teaching / learning experience is going so far and would certainly recommend Niccoló.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Do you want to increase your language proficiency in English or Afrikaans? Then I am just the teacher for you!
I specialize in teaching students 14 years and older, as well as adults. My focus is on teaching business English and Afrikaans, as well as academic and diplomatic style language. Whether you want to improve your English and Afrikaans speaking, listening, reading or writing skills, I'll assist you to determine your specific needs and develop bespoke lesson plans for you. I use different teaching methods and materials which include written lesson plans, videos, fun quizzes, conversation and whatever else takes our fancy to keep you interested, motivated and learning at your own pace!
I am also a certified business coach and can assist you with any issue in your working or study environment. Let's look at your career prospects, develop a winning resumé (CV), coach you on that important job interview or teach you how to write a great email or have that vital telephone conversation.
I am a published author (English language) internationally and in South Africa and can assist you with writing your business documentation or writing creatively (i.e. short stories, articles and opinion pieces).
I have over 30 years' experience in the world of work at senior management level and have worked on projects involving, inter alia, the USA, UK, Australia, Asia and Africa.
My qualifications include:
- TEFL level 5 certificate in teaching English as a foreign language
- Certificate in teaching business English
- Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
- B.Com. (Hons) Degree in Economics
- Coaching Certificate
- Native English and Afrikaans speaker
Let me assist you with your learning journey and let's also have fun while we learn!
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Madi is an English teacher from South Africa. She has had a lot of experience teaching English, especially at the business level. She counts with learning materials for different needs but only within the business level.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Coucou c'est moi Lore, I'm your French teacher & mentor for the next month!
One month French Bootcamp is an intensive and immersive 30-day French crash course.
The perfect option if you want to see quick results. ?
Send me a message to know my current levels and time of study group.
Each lesson is 60 mn
Access to the video record of the live lesson
My 30-day conversational French online course is by far my most popular option.
With a focus on casual conversation, this group class meets 5 times a week for 1 hour.
Free assessment test to see what is your level.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lore is a friendly and enthusiastic teacher. She supports her students and create personalized material for them. Great teacher!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, my name is Katerina und I’m a qualified German teacher with 8 years teaching experience.
I would like to help you to master the German language. You will get your personal online lesson via Skype.
If you are interested in learning this world language, just contact me –
I’m looking forward to getting to know you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I can not recommend enough Katja. She makes the lessons extremely enjoyable. Her materials are diverse and well thought through.
Katerina B.
Dear Marcia, thank you!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have been an online teacher since 2012 in economics, logistics, and international trade. In 2020 I started teaching Portuguese and Spanish as well. I have also been doing translations of these languages since 2003, and in 2013 I started doing proofreading too.
I love sharing my language and my culture.
I have lived in several countries (Chile, Mexico, Malta, Angola, Bulgaria, and Spain) so I also love to share with people from other cultures.
I have an ELE course and a SIELE trainer.
I am currently doing the International Master for Teachers of Spanish Language and Culture.
I am Portuguese and Chilean (naturalized).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Luz is a Portuguese teacher with a lot of experience in different platforms. She counts with learning materials that fit different purposes and can speak various languages!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello,
my name is Veronika and I am a student in Florence at the academy of fine arts. I have been in Italy for three years and I really like the Italian language. In school i learned english and during journeys i used to speak a lot of english so i'm also able to teach in english.
I am from Germany so I am a German native speaker. I have already taught German to some of my friends and would love to teach my language to more people as well. At the beginning I would like to do grammar lessons and the most used words to deepen the basic knowledge of the language. Then I will continue to have conversations in German to increase vocabulary and to give confidence in dialogue and in any case in speaking the language in real scenarios. The most important thing by learning a new language is to learn it through hearing and speaking. Being difficult at first to formulate sentences will then become easier and easier and thus you arrive at a fluent and confident way to speak the new language.
For myself I learned Italian three years ago with this method so I also know what it is like to learn a language and I can help you with my teaching to learn German that way.
I can not wait to start!
greetings Veronika
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My experience with Veronika as a teacher was and still is really good. In order to reach my goals, she has setup a structured schedule and has provided good learning material. Due to my work, I had to reschedule some of my lessons and she always showed understanding in this regards. She is very friendly and easy to talk to. I can only recommend her!
Veronika N.
![]()
Thank you very much!!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
He was well prepared and has good teaching skills. He recognised my weak points and spontaneously focus that areas. Overall I found him good as a teacher.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hallo :) My name is Mihaela and I was born in Switzerland. I have a Bachleor and Master degree as German teacher and more then 5 years experience.
I love languages, because of that I speak also Croatian and English. :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, writing, pronunciation and vocabulary.
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar. Or we can learn whatever you need, because I will always adapt to your needs. :)
I will support you during your learning experience and adapt to your learning tempo.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books (Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen,...).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mihaela has helped me along with improving my german language skills over the past nine months with great success. She has a clear structured approach but constantly adapts the lessons to your needs and interests to keep you motivated. During the lessons, she consistently adds vocabulary to the discussion, meaning that you are always learning more without the feeling of being overwhelmed with information. She is also very flexible with bookings. I can positively recommend learning german with Mihaela.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello German learner! I am a dedicated teacher for DaF (German as a foreign language) studying and working in Germany. I have already gained teaching experience with different age groups and nationalities while teaching German in various language schools.
Currently, I'm doing my second studies in German, English, and Teaching at the University of Bonn. (I already got my Master's Degree in German and Literature). Besides, I teach in a local language school as well as tutor students online on Colanguage.
In my free time, I learn French and Dutch and hope to become a true polyglot one day :)
So as you can see, I'm all into languages and love my profession as a teacher!
I can help you learn general German, develop your communicational skills as well as prepare you for language tests (Goethe Zertifikat, Telc, etc).
Just book a trial lesson with me and we'll find out which course is right for you.
See you soon
Anush
PS. IMPORTANT! Currently, I only work with adults aged 18 and over - so NO courses for children, sorry.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Anush is a great teacher! Her advices and corrections are to the point and very helpful. My demands were high enough and sie could provide the necessary solutions and the necessary help , that I needed.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, I am Ana! I am a professional language teacher! If you want to learn Romanian, English or German in an easy, fun and efficient way, you’ve done the first step. I simply love teaching and I’m looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm for languages with you. I have experience in learning foreign languages, so I understand the challenge.
I’ve started teaching Romanian as a foreign language in 2010 at the Faculty of Letters in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, and my teaching approach is really friendly and focused on all your needs. I have worked with people from all over the world and I know very well how to make the process of learning a language a very pleasant experience.
I speak several languages (English, German, French, Spanish) and I keep learning some (Polish and Portuguese) so I am aware of how fun and also frustrating (at times) the process can be.
For me, learning a language is like falling in love, you get to discover details and awesome facts about one culture and mentality.
If you want to learn Romanian, English or German, I will make sure you will enjoy it!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Everything about Anamaria is at 99.9%, from timeliness, punctuality, very concise and relevant study material and she has an excellent teaching methodology.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hallo :) My name is Mihaela and I was born in Switzerland. I have a Bachleor and Master degree as German teacher and more then 5 years experience.
I love languages, because of that I speak also Croatian and English. :)
- ABOUT THE CLASS -
I offer German language lessons for A1, A2, B1, B2 level and they include everything you need: grammar, speaking, writing, pronunciation and vocabulary.
This is ideal for students who want actively participate and speak more, learn new words and exercise the grammar. Or we can learn whatever you need, because I will always adapt to your needs. :)
I will support you during your learning experience and adapt to your learning tempo.
All learning materials and exercises are included and will be provided during the lesson.
The learning material is from various books (Schritte International, Menschen, Sicher im Alltag und Beruf, Begegnungen,...).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mihaela is very professional, punctual and well organised. She plans the lessons well with relevant materials based on the student interests and level. She is very flexible about rescheduling classes and always available for any doubts or requests.
Mihaela S.
Thank you very much Marilena :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria is a very experienced teacher. She really loves teaching and transmit this passion to her students. Excellent teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials